Q&a -- Samantha Novy, Severna Park, Soccer

Next goal: state title

Samantha Novy has helped the Severna Park girls soccer team to three consecutive Anne Arundel County championships and is looking for a state title.

Novy scored the winning goal a week ago as the No. 4 Falcons edged No. 12 Arundel, 2-1, for their third straight title and ninth overall in the 14 years of the championship game.

The four-year varsity player's game-winner, in the 69th minute, gave the Falcons (13-2 overall, 12-0 county) a 2-0 lead. A midfielder who was second-team All-County last year, Novy has a 3.5 grade-point average and hopes to play in college. She started playing soccer at 6 and plays club ball for the Laurel Wildcats.

How special was it to win a third straight county title?

It's been a big thing every year, but it's especially important in your senior year. It's a big deal to win it and this year has been exciting.

How difficult was it to go unbeaten in the county?

We were surprised about a lot of teams this year, about how much better they've gotten. The league improved a lot.

How big were the senior contributions this year?

This is the first year that all of the seniors have gotten a chance to either start or played as much as we have. In the other years, it's just been a couple of the seniors who played a lot or started. Our coach said this year he is not afraid to play anybody on this team.

How many senior captains are there?

All eight seniors are captains this year. We're all just trying to be role models for the younger players and trying to make sure everyone is playing and working hard.

What do you think of moving up to Class 4A this year from 3A?

It's different because we are playing more of our county teams in the playoffs, where before we were mainly playing Howard County teams. It should be more competitive with a lot of our rivals. We would like to go out with a state championship.

What's the team chemistry like?

We're all really close and I have my little sister [sophomore Amanda Novy] on the team. So that's interesting. She made the team last year as freshman. That's cool, and we do the older sister-little sister thing, but we're the only actual sisters on the team.

Where do you hope to play in college?

I really want to play in college. I enjoy playing. I'm looking at York College, Villa Julie, Goucher, all Division III schools where I can fit in.

Have you thought about a career choice?

I'm still undecided, but I'm thinking about early education or business. My mom is an accountant.

What have been the highlights of your soccer career?

Winning county championships and making the Coaches All-County first team last year.

What do you like to do when you are not playing soccer?

Hang out with my friends and family. My family is close. I watch MTV a lot, like The Hills and Real World, all that stuff. I like comedy, like The Office.

How about music?

I like rap and country. That's what I listen to the most. Rap kind of pumps me up, and [I listen to] country around the house. Country music tells a story, and you can relate to it.

How is school spirit at Severna Park?

Everyone has spirit and is very involved like when we play Broadneck, our big rival. So everyone gets into that. And everyone comes to homecoming. Athletics are huge.

Have you made a lot of friends playing soccer?

Playing soccer, you automatically make friends, and everyone at the school is pretty much into sports and you make a lot of friends.